U.S. President Donald Trump has officially signed the Laken Riley Act, an immigration detention measure, into law.
The bill received final approval in the House with a 263-156 vote on Wednesday, with 46 Democrats joining all Republicans in support.
Speaking at the White House, Trump credited his immigration policies for his election victory and expressed gratitude to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers who helped pass the bill.
“That’s why I’m here instead of somebody else. Actually, it’s the biggest reason,” Trump said, emphasizing the law’s significance in protecting American lives.
He also honoured Laken Riley, describing her as “a light of warmth and kindness” and thanking her family, who attended the signing.
Trump highlighted the rare bipartisan support behind the bill, stating, “That’s not easy to do. Laken did it. America will never ever forget Laken Hope Riley.”
The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered last year in Athens, Georgia. Her killer, a Venezuelan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
